Registration of Political Parties Act 1998 (thing) by aneurin

A British Act of Parliament that created a system for the voluntary registration of political parties.

A party registers by sending the appropriate form to the Register of Political Parties based in Cardiff with details of its proposed name, up to three party emblems together with contact details for the party. The only real requirement is the intention to put forward a candidate in any "relevant election". (Which to all practical intents and purposes means any election whatsoever.)

The registrar can reject an application if, inter alia the name

would be likely to be confused with a party which is already registered

comprises more than six words

is obscene or offensive

includes words the publication of which would be likely to amount to the commission of an offence

Registration does however confer certain advantages to a political party. Specifically:-

It allows a party protect its name from use by unauthorised candidates on ballot papers at elections and allows the party emblem to be printed alongside the candidate's name on the ballot papers.
It permits a party to put forward lists of candidates for elections where the party list system is in operation. That is elections for the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly or for the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Only registered parties are eligible to be offered an election broadcast

The full text of the act is available at http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/19980048.htm

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